I've read several threads here and on other forums but there doesn't seem to be any definitive answers.

I only have up to about $800 to spend, would prefer to stay in the $500 range if possible. Would prefer to get a new bass (for ease of procurement sake) but not opposed to looking for something used. Also, if there is a new bass (such as the Gibson Midtown) that will fulfill my dreams at a higher price point I'd be curious to know what it is!

I want a bass that sounds like Chas Chandler (We Got To Get Out of This Place - ultimate hollow body sound to me), Paul Samwell Smith)- That classic 60s hollow body sound. I believe he played an Epiphone Rivoli.

Do Eastwood, Waterstone, Hagstrom, Italia make any exceptional basses in this style - On YouYube I found what I think was an Eastwood that really sounded great but it's discontinued.

I've read about the Jack Cassidy Bass a lot but I've heard them in club situations several times and while I think they sound (and look) great they don't at all have that 60s hollow body sound I'm looking for.

You say hollow, my mind immediately says Hofner. You can get the Contemporary, though it is semi-hollow. The Icon/Ignition sounds great and definitely has that vibe. I played one through an SVT and it was like the voice of God. That's what I would go for.

I've read about the Jack Cassidy Bass a lot but I've heard them in club situations several times and while I think they sound (and look) great they don't at all have that 60s hollow body sound I'm looking for.

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The Epi Jack Casady bass is a much better sounding instrument than the EB-2/Rivoli, so it will definitely not give you the tone you're looking for.

You say hollow, my mind immediately says Hofner. You can get the Contemporary, though it is semi-hollow. The Icon/Ignition sounds great and definitely has that vibe. I played one through an SVT and it was like the voice of God. That's what I would go for.

So two votes for Hofner. Thanks! The first poster said either a Contemporary or an Icon. Huge price difference between the two. I don't have a lot of money so an Icon is definitely in my price point. Why would someone get the Contemporary if the Icon does the job at a much better price point?

What about the Hofner Club bass? The Hofner violin is SO identified with The Beatles (who I love) that I'd rather have something that has a bit of a different look if possible.

The Hofner Verythin CT bass has a classic guitar shape, so it does not look Beatle-like. It has a very 60's sound when fitted with Pyramid , Labella, or T-I flats.http://www.hofner-guitars.com/electric-basses/verythin-bass/verythin-bass-ct.html
Of course the Guild Starfire is a 60's classic. I'm afraid you need to save just a bit more money to achieve your worthy goal.
Oddly, my Jack Casady bass sounds very Hofnerish with Pyramid flats on it.
Certainly the Hofner Ignition (formerly known as the Icon) will give the sound of the 60's when fitted with the correct flats for a lot less money.
own, as well and think it's great.

Remember the JC is a long scale, as well has having far more articulate pickup than most of the 60s semihollow and hollow thudbuckets. If you could find one (they're rare because nobody wants to part with one) the DeArmond Starfire reissue is short scale and gets a pretty thuddy sound. Also, I believe Warwick has released a short scale, Rockbass version of the Framus Star bass. However, on the Warwick version, the pickups were located in Jazz bass position, giving it a more versatile, less thuddy tone. Nonetheless, the Rockbass Star was rumored to be going for $800ish new retail.

So two votes for Hofner. Thanks! The first poster said either a Contemporary or an Icon. Huge price difference between the two. I don't have a lot of money so an Icon is definitely in my price point. Why would someone get the Contemporary if the Icon does the job at a much better price point?

What about the Hofner Club bass? The Hofner violin is SO identified with The Beatles (who I love) that I'd rather have something that has a bit of a different look if possible.

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I think the Contemporary has the same pickups as the real-deal German basses. Judging by video demos though (I haven't played the CT or the German), the Icon does a better job of sounding like the vintage ones. As I understand it, the Club sounds exactly like the Violin, just with a less Beatley, but equally cool look. It's definitely on my own GAS list.

Funny, I too played an AFB180 for the first time today. A complete "meh" experience. Why don't guitar stores do even a rudimentary setup on their display instruments? 15 minutes of work could turn a permanent wall decoration into an immediate sale!